If you are a rancher, winter can pose a myriad of challenges. Not only is the cold weather tough on livestock, but you are always needing to make sure your animals have enough food and that their water is never frozen over. One more thing you have to think about is snow removal. This is important because, even in a blizzard, you still need to find a way to get to your livestock. Snow removal can be especially challenging for ranchers who live in states that get, on average, over 50 inches of snow a year. These states include North Dakota, New York, Alaska, Wyoming, and Minnesota.

For ranchers who need to deal with snow in the winter, here are three effective ways to remove the white, fluffy stuff.

1. Auto Plows

This kind of snow removal mechanism is exactly what its name implies, as it is a plow that attaches to an automobile. Sometimes referred to as an attachable snow plow, it is a great way to remove a lot of snow in a big hurry. Auto plows can usually be attached to an SUV or a pick-up truck.

You can remove snow more effectively if your vehicle has 4-wheel drive, as this will lessen the chances of getting stuck in the snow. If you don't have 4-wheel drive, you may want to consider putting on winter tires or by putting snow chains around your tires for maximum traction on the snow and ice.

2. Skid Steer Attachments

If your chores involve lifting and moving heavy loads, you probably have a skid steer on your property. Besides moving hay bales, removing old fence posts, and managing manure, skid steers can also be used for snow removal.

One major advantage of a skid steer is that there are different attachments that help with different jobs. When it comes to clearing snow off the driveway after a light snowfall, an angle broom attachment is a great option. A snow bucket works well for handling heavy loads of snow and a scraper can break up ice and remove hard-packed snow. You can talk to a supplier, like UNLIMITED FABRICATION LLC, for more options for skid steer attachments.

3. Tractor

Along with a skid steer, most ranchers have a tractor on their property. If you have a tractor, along with a 3-point hitch and a power take off (PTO) shaft, you can hook up a snowblower to your tractor in order to remove snow.

Whether you choose to remove snow with an auto plow, a special skid steer attachment, or a tractor, you will be well on your way to having a less stressful winter.